Writing implement



A118 23, 1960 L.. P. MARTIN ETAL WRITING IMPLEMENT 4 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed sept. 11, 195s wk. Mm. NM. hk.

Aug. 23, 1960 L.. P. MARTIN ETAL WRITING IMPLEMENT 4 Sheets-Sheet 2Filed sept. 11. 195e INVENTOR: of m Fm D BY- frwmdz. 3

Aug. 23, 1960 L. P. MARTIN ET AL WRITING IMPLEMENT 4 Sheets-Sheet 3Filed sept. 11, 195e n n .liina 4 IN VEN T0125.

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mm www WRITING INIPLEMENT Lynn P. Martin, Elmer D. Thompson, Roland L.Brannon, and Lee W. Ross, all of Fort Madison, iowa, assignors to W. A.Sheaifer Pen Company, Fort Madison, Iowa, a corporation of DelawareFiled Sept. 11, 1956, Ser. No. 609,281

Claims. (Cl. 1Z0-442.03)

This invention relates to writing implements and more particularly toWriting implements of the fountain pen type.

In the construction of the usual type fountain pen employing a liquidwriting fluid it has usually been necessary lto provide such implementswith a cap if the imple` ments are to be carried in the pocket orhandbag of the user. The caps have been considered necessary in order toprevent accidental spilling of the writing fluid with attendant soilingof the clothes of the person carrying the implement. Furthermore,fountain pens are generally constructed so that the caps are providedwith pocket clips so that when the implement is carried it Will be inthe point up position. Under certain circumstances this has not beenwholly satisfactory since after long periods in the point up position,the Writing uid may dry or drain away from the writing tip so that theimplement will not immediately write when applied to the writingsurface. Furthermore, the caps that have been used in the past offer thefurther disadvantage that they may become separated `from the implementand lost, Whereafter it is practically impossible for the implement tobe carried by the user without soiling the clothes.

It has been proposed in connection with the so-called ball point penwriting implements to provide a device in which the point of theimplement can be retracted into the main body portion thereof wherebythe implement may readily be carried by the user without concern overthe soiling of clothes. However, such structures have not been feasiblein connection with fountain pens employing liquid writing Huid since theliquid tluid in most types of constructions tends to leak from `thepoint upon changes in temperature or barometric conditions.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a fountain penin which it is not necessary to employ the usual type of cap forconcealing the writing point when the implement is not in use.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a fountain penwhich may be carried by the user in a point down position in order thatthe writing point Will always be ready for immediate transfer of iluidupon use.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of a caplessfountain pen which may be readily carried in the pocket or in a handbagwithout danger of prematurely discharging writing iluid from theimplement.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of a novelconstruction which may be readily adaptable to many types of implementsthat have been previously sold commercially.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of an improvedcapless fountain pen construction which may be charged with writingfluid Without the deposit of tiuid on the gripping section and withoutdanger of soiling lingers or garments.

An additional object of this invention is the provision 0f an improvedcapless fountain pen having means for selectively moving a writing tipbetween an extended writing position and a concealed position.

Further and additional objects Will appear from the followingdescription, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

In one form of this invention an improved fountain pen is providedhaving a capillary reservoir disposed within a barrel assembly with awriting element and a filling tube disposed forwardly of the reservoirand extensible through an open forward end of .the barrel assembly. Moreparticularly, a capless fountain pen is provided in which a writingelement is shiftable relative to and through the open forward end of abarrel assembly wherein the open end is normally sealed by a yieldableelement and a filling tube is coaxially mounted with the writing elementand shiftable between positions forwardly and rearwardly of the writingelement. The writing element and filling tube are spaced apart to definea capillary space therebetween extending longitudinally from thecapillary reservoir to the writing tip. Means is also provided forforcefully filling the capillary reservoir with writing fluid by thesuccessive actuation of a telescoping pneumatic assembly.

As indicated above, this invention is readily applicable to a number ofdifferent types of constructions that have been suggested in the priorart. For example, this invention is readily adaptable to a device havingan extensible filling tube such as is disclosed in Lynn P. Martinapplication Serial No. :256,897, tiled November 17, 1951, now Patent No.2,769,427, and more particularly to an implement having a pneumaticallycollapsible sac of the character disclosed in Martin, United StatesPatent No. 2,610,612, dated September 16, 195,2. However, the inventionhas particular applicability in those writing implements that areprovided with a so-called capillary mass type reservoir and such animplement is disclosed in the copending application of Craig R.Sheaffer, Serial No. 319,031, filed November 6, 1952, now Patent No.2,784,699. As is known, capillary reservoirs are freely vented to theatmosphere at their rearward ends and it is not necessary to provideexpansion chambers because of the fact that writing iiuid is not eX-pelled therefrom due to barometric or temperature changes. Thus thecapillary type reservoirs are essentially free from leakage underordinary conditions of use and are therefore particularly suitable foruse in connection with the provision of a capless type fountain pen ofthe character contemplated by this invention.

For a more complete understanding of this invention reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional View of the forward end ofa fountain pen incorporating the novel features of the invention withthe various parts illustrated in their closed or normal positions;

Fig. 1A is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the rearwardportion of the embodiment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional View of the embodiment of Fig. 1 takenon Ithe line 2--2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the latching element forming a part ofthe embodiment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view of the embodiment of Figs. 1 and1A taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1A;

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view of the ment of Fig. 1 taken on theline S-S thereof;

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view of the ment of Fig. 1 taken on theline 6 6 thereof;

Fig. 7 illustrates in enlarged longitudinal section the forward portionof the embodiment of Fig. 1 with the Writing element partially shiftedto the writing position;

Fig. 8 illustrates the embodiment of Fig. 1 in enlargedembodiembodilongitudinal section with the writing element in anoverextended position;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged partial longitudinal sectional view of theembodiment of Fig. 1 with the writing element in the writing position;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged partial longitudinal sectional View of theembodiment of Fig. l illustrating the operating mechanism for extendingand retracting the writing tip;

Fig. 1l is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the forwardportion of the embodiment of Fig. l with the fitting tube extended;

Fig. 11A is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the rearwardportion of the embodiment olf Fig. 1 with the writing tube in theextended position; and

Fig. 12 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the rearwardportion of the embodiment of Fig. 1 with the force filling mechanismactuated.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figs. l and lA, afountain pen is illustrated having a main barrel portion 22 with acapillary reservoir unit 24 disposed therein. A sleeve 26 is slidablymounted on the main barrel portion 22 to selectively expose or conceal awriting element 28 which extends forwardly from and is integral with thereservoir unit 24. At the forward end of writing element 28 a writingtip 30 having the `conventional longitudinal slit therein is employed. Afilling tube 32 is coaxially mounted within the writing element 28 andadapted for longitudinal movement for purposes and in a manner to beexplained in greater detail hereinafter. The outer diameter of fillingtube 32 and the inner diameter of writing element 28 are so selectedthat a space 34 exists between the two elements which is of capillarydimensions and continuous over the entire length of the: filling tubeand writing element. Thus, a capillary writing fluid path is providedbetween the rearward end of the Writing element 28 and the writing tip30.

The uid reservoir is defined by the barrel portion 22, a rearwardly-disposed annular plug 36 having apertures 38 therein and a forwardlydisposed plug 40 which is threaded into the forward end of the body 22.The space thus defined is filled with a capillary mass 42. Any one ofmany well known capillary masses may be employed. For example, the spacemay be filled with woven gauze, a helically wound film having spacesbetween adjacent layers, or a plurality of small spheres havingcapillary dimensions therebetween, as is described in the Craig R.Sheaffer application set out above.

The writing element 28 has a rearwardly disposed flange 44 which issecured in the plug 40 by a collar 46 in threaded engagement therewith.As is clearly illustrated in Fig. 6, the plug 40 slidably supports theinner filling tube 32, and at the point where the filling tube passesthrough the plug 40 the filling tube is formed with a plurality ofrecesses or splines 48 which will insure the passage of writing fluidfrom the reservoir 24 to the writing tip 30.

The sleeve 26 encloses the writing tip 30` when the fountain pen is notin use, as illustrated in Fig. l. The forward open end 50 of the sleeve26 is normally closed by a exible seal 52. The seal 52 has a pluralityof radial slits extending outwardly from the center thereof whereby theseal may be deformed to pass the writing element 28 and filling tube 32therethrough. The sleeve 26 is formed of two parts, a gripping section54 which is threaded into a barrel section 56. The juncture of thegripping section 54 |and Ybarrel section S6 is ornamented by a metallicring 58. The barrel section 56 is slidably mounted on the main barrelportion 22, and a shell 60 is mounted on the main barrel portion 22,said shell being formed of metal or other suitable material. The mainbarrel portion 22 has a reduced outer diameter at its forward endwhereby an annular recess 62 is defined which receives the rearwardportion of the barrel section 56 of sleeve 26. Thus, the sleeve 26 maybe axially shifted on the main 'barrel portion 22 to expose thewritirjltg tip 30 in a manner which 'will be dsecribed herein a er.

Referring now to Fig. 7, the first step in the actuation of themechanism is illustrated. When the writer wishesto expose the writingtip 30 for use he presses the main barrel portion 22 and sleeve 26together in a familiar manner, compressing coil spring S8. In axiallyshifting the sleeve 26, a cylindrical element 64 having a taperedforward end 66 engages the inner surface of resilient seal 52 spreadingthe furcated portion 68 thereof to permit passage of the writing elementtherethrough. The cylindrical element 64 is normally urged forwardlyslidalbly on writing `element 28 by a coil spring 74 which is compressedbetween a collar '70 formed on cylindrical element 64 and a stop 76. Theforward position olf cylindrical element 64 relative to writing element28 is established by the tapered ring 65 fixed on the forward end ofwriting element 28. The collar 743 formed on cylinder 64 will abutagainst a shoulder 72 formed in the gripping section 54 to limit forwardmovement of the cylindrical element with writing element 28 relative tosleeve 26. Spring stop 76 is secured in collar 46 which is in turncarried by plug 4t) forming a part of the main body portion 22.

The second step in the actuation of the writing element to a writingposition is illustrated in Fig. 8. Further relative axial movement ofthe main body portion 22 and the sleeve 26 further compresses spring 88and causes the writing element 3i) to protrude beyond the open forwardend of gripping section 54 through seal 52 which has been spread asdescribed above. Coil spring 74 is compressed by this further motion andthe sleeve 26 is moved to a point where resilient detents 78 formed inlatching sleeve 84 pass into an annular recess 80 formed in an annularinsert 82 which :forms a part of and moves with sleeve 26. The latchingelement 84 is formed of spring steel or similar material and is clearlyshown in perspective in Fig. 3. As can be seen in Fig. 3, thecylindrical latching element 34 has a plurality of longitudinal slitsformed therein to define detents 78 and additional portions are formedoutwardly to provide resilient faces 86 which will maintain the latchingelement 84 in desired positions within the sleeve 26 by selectiveengagement with the insert 82 or the forward edge 49 of collar 46.

In axially shifting the sieeve 26 rearward during the first stepdescribed above, motion of the latching element S4 is initiallyfrictionally prevented by the interference of ring 93 and resilientfaces S6 of latching element 84 until the rear edge of the cylindricallatching element 84 abuts the forward edge 47 of the large portion ofthe collar 46, imparting a forward motion to the latching element 84.

Further forward motion of sleeve 26 and the cylindrical latching element84 causes the resilient faces 86 of the latching element 84 to bedepressed inwardly by the ring 93, exerting pressure upon the smalldiameter section 45 of the collar 46.

As shown in Fig. 8, rearward movement of sleeve 26 effects engagement ofdetents 78 in recess Si). Upon manual release of sleeve 26, coil spring88 urges sleeve 26 forwardly, causing detents 78 to engage the rearwardedge of recess 80. Thus, further forward movement of sleeve 26 carrieslatching element 84 forward to a point where the forward edge 90 thereofabuts stop 76, which, as already described, is fixed in plug 40, and therearward edges 87 of the resilient faces 86 of latching element 34 moveto a position forward of the small diameter 45 of the collar 46 and alsomove inwardly contacting the small diameter cylindrical portion 77 ofthe stop 76. Thus, the sleeve is restrained against further forwardmovement under the infiuence of the spring 88, and the writing tip 30remains exposed for use. The writing element is illustrated in thewriting position in Fig. 9

with the detents 78 in engagement with the rearward edge of recess 80and the forward edge 90 of latching element 84 abutting the stop 76. Thesprings 74 and 88 are thus maintained under compression while thewriting element 28 is in the writing position. As shown in Fig. 10, whenconditioned for writing, or when in the overextended position, therearward edges 87 of the resilient faces 86 of the latching element 84contact the forward edge 49 of the small diameter portion 45 of thecollar 46.

When it is desired to retract the writing tip to the sealed position,the sleeve is once again manually actuated to produce the overextensionof the writing element illustrated in Fig. 8 and the overextension ofthe latching element 84 illustrated in Fig. l0. A slidable sleeve 92 isdisposed within insert 82 mounted on sleeve 26 and movable betweenpredetermined limits. The limits are determined by the rearward iiange91 of insert 82 and a ring 93 which is forced within the forward end ofinsert 82. Overextension of writing element 28 forces detents 78inwardly as they slide forwardly onto sleeve 92 and thus sleeve 92 ridesrearwardly with the detents 7S of latching element 84 to a point wherethe sleeve 92 abuts rearward flange 91. As the forward edge 90 of sleeve84 remains in abutment with stop 76, further forward movement of sleeve26 produces relative rearward movement of the latching sleeve 84 wherebydetents 78 slide onto flange 91. Thus, release of the sleeve 26 willreturn the parts to the positions illustrated in Fig. l. Subsequentmanual actuation of the sleeve and barrel portion will again positionthe writing element for use in the manner already described.

To facilitate filling the capillary reservoir 24, the lilling tube 32 isextensible relative to the writing element 28. The extension of iillingtube 32 is accomplished by the mechanism disposed in the main barrelportion 22 rearwardly of the reservoir 24. A shaped plug 94 is insertedin the rearward end of lling tube 32 and a coil spring 96 normally,urges the plug 94 and consequently the filling tube 32 forwardlyrelative to the main body portion 22, reservoir 24, and writing element28 ixed thereto. The coil spring 96 is compressed between a collar 98formed on plug 94 and an apertured annular ring 100 secured against ashoulder 101 formed in the main body portion 22. An operating pin 102 isslidably mounted in a central aperture in ring 100 and is secured toplug 94. Pin 102 has an enlarged threaded portion 104 which is inengagement with a correspondingly threaded insert 106 secured in atelescoping tube 108. Tube 108 has a decorative cap 110 secured to therearward end thereof by machine screw 112 whereby the tube 108 and cap110 may be manually rotated and actuated together.

As illustrated best in Fig. 4, the plug 100 is provided with a pluralityof vent holes 114. The central aperture in plug 100 is generally squareand the pin 102 has a corresponding cross section. The plug 100 is ixedin the main barrel portion 22 and thus the pin 102, plug 94, and fillingtube 32 are restrained against rotation relative to the main body.Rotation of cap 110 thus produces relative axial movement'of the cap andthe pin 102 because of the threaded engagement of the parts, and thisaxial movement produces a forward extension of the iilling tube 32 underthe iniiuence of spring 96.

Figs. ll and 11A illustrate the preferred embodiment of this inventionwith the filling tube 32 in the extended position. In the fully extendedposition, as can be seen in Fig. 11A, the enlarged threaded portion 104of pin 102 engages plug 100, limiting forward motion of the filling tube32 under the iniiuence of spring 96. Further rotary motion of cap 110will provide rearward movement of the cap and tube S whereby the tube isfreed from threaded engagement with pin 102. When so freed, the cap andtube are immediately urged rearwardly by compressed coil spring 116 to aposition where further rearward movement is prevented by engagement of aiianged portion 118 of tube 10S against a shoulder 120 formed in themain barrel portion 22.

A circular sealing ring 122 is disposed in a recess in the main barrelportion 22 and engages tube 108 to provide a pneumatic seal. Thus, asthe tube 108 moves rearwardly to the position shown in Fig. 12 theexpansion of the chamber defined thereby causes partial collapse of laresilient iiexible sac 124 which surrounds spring 96 and plug 94. Sac124 is of a generally cylindrical shape sealed at its rearward end inplug and at its forward end in plug 94. Thus, as the tube 108 movesrearwardly and the sack 124 is partially collapsed, air is drawn intothe space 126 created thereby and this air is drawn upwardly through thefilling tube 32 through a transverse aperture 128 formed in the fillingtube and through a plurality tof vent apertures 38 formed in therearward plug 36. Thus, diuid is drawn upwardly through tube 32 and intothe .capillary mass 42 where it remains in capillary suspension. The uidwill move forwardly in the capillary mass 42 upon successive depressionsof cap whereby the capillary mass may be completely charged with uid bya plurality of 4actuations of the cap.

The pen is then reconditioned for Writing by reversing the stepsdescribed above. The cap 110 is forced inwardly toward the main bodyportion 22 and threaded into engagement with pin 102. Rotation of cap110 draws illing tube 32 rearwardly to the position illustrated in Fig.9 and the pen is in condition for writing. Then, as already described,the writing element may be shifted between the concealed and the writingposition by selective operation of the barrel and sleeve mechanism.

A pocket clip 130 of a conventional type is provided and is secured inthe metal shell 60 in a conventional manner.

Various changes and modifications of the basic structure describedherein will immediately appear to one skilled in this art.

While the capless concept employing a deformable sealing member may beemployed with other fountain pens which may not use an extensiblefilling tube or a capillary type of reservoir, the advantages of thecombination of these elements is believed manifest and clearly set outin the introductory portions of this speciiication. Also the concept oftwo concentric cylinders, one of which comprises a writing element toprovide improved fluid feedings, and the other a filling tube, may beemployed with other forms of reservoir types and filling mechanisms.

The various means described above are clearly exemplary and only oneparticular embodiment of the invention. Other nib means, reservoirmeans, mechanical means for extending and retracting the writing point,mechanical means for extending and retracting the iilling tube, pressuremeans for iilling the reservoir, and the like may be provided withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of this invention. For example,while the general discussion above refers to a rearwardly ventedreservoir, it will be apparent that this language is properly construedto include any longitudinal reservoir means vented at a point oppositethe writing tip whereby writing liuid may be discharged to the tip,irrespective of the possible tortuous shape of the reservoir or anyconnecting tubes or passages.

Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully explain thecharacter of our invention that others may, by applying currentknowledge, readily adapt the same for use under varying conditions ofservice, while retaining certain features which may properly be said toconstitute the essential items of novelty involved, which items areintended to be defined and secured to us by the following claims.

We claim:

1. A fountain pen comprising a barrel section, a iiuid reservoir withinsaid barrel section, a writing nib in communication with said reservoirpositioned forwardly relative to said barrel section, an integralcylindrical sleeve 7 having an open forward end mounted on said barrelsection and movable to a rearward position wherein said nib extendsthrough said open forward end in writing position and to a forward nibconcealing position, a resilient deformable sealing member adjacent theopen forward end of and completely within said sleeve normallysubstantially sealing lsaid nib against access to the atmosphere throughsaid open forward end when said sleeve is in said forward position,operating means movable within said sleeve to a forward position todeform said sealing means to define a central aperture in said openforward end, said operating means being axially movaf ble relative tosaid writing nib and resiliently urged forwardly of said writing nib butrestrained rearwardly of said sealing member whenever said cylindricalsleeve is in the nib concealing position, and stop means to limitforward movement of said operating means to said forward positiondeforming said sealing means, whereby said writing nib may be movedforwardly of said operating means and said sealing member to saidwriting position.

2. A fountain pen comprising a barrel section, a fluid reservoir withinsaid barrel section, a writing nib in communication with said reservoirpositioned forwardly relative to said barrel section, an integralcylindrical sleeve having an open forward end mounted on said barrelsection and movable to a rearward position wherein said nib extendsthrough said open forward end in writing position and to a forward nibconcealing position, a resilient deformable sealing member adjacent theopen forward end of and completely within said sleeve normallysubstantially sealing said nib against access to the atmosphere throughsaid open forward end when said sleeve is in said forward position,operating means movable within said sleeve to a forward position todeform said sealing means to define a central aperture in said openforward end, said operating means being axially movable relative to saidwriting nib and comprising a collar surrounding said writing nib withinsaid sleeve, resilient means urging said collar forwardly, stop meanscarried by said writing nib and limiting movement of said collar to aforward writing nib concealing position, and stop means in said sleeveto limit forward movement of said collar to a forward position withinsaid sleeve deforming said sealing means, whereby said writing nib maybe moved forwardly of said operating means and said sealing member tosaid writing position.

3. A fountain pen comprising a hollow body portion having an openforward end, a exible resilient sealing member closing said open forwardend having a slitted central portion deformable to define a centralaperture and mounted within said body portion adjacent said open forwardend, a writing point mounted in said body portion for movement relativeto and through said open forward end and said slitted central portion,said movement being between point exposed and point concealed positions,substantially cylindrical means surrounding said writing point andcarried thereby, said cylindrical means being responsive to saidmovement to the point exposed position to engage and open said slittedcentral portion whereby said point may freely move to said exposed posiltion, said cylindrical means being axially movable relative to saidwriting point and resiliently urged to a position forwardly of saidwriting point, and stop means supported within said body portion tolimit forward movement of said cylindrical means to a forward positionwithin said body portion deforming said sealing lmeans when said writingpoint is moved through said open forward end, whereby said writing pointmay be moved forwardly of said cylindrical means and said sealing memberto said point exposed position.

4. The fountain pen of claim 3 wherein said resilient deformable sealingmember comprises a flexible diaphragm having a radially slit centralarea and deformable to define a central aperture whereby saidcylindrical means spreads said diaphragm radially to freely pass saidwriting element therethrough.

5. A fountain pen comprising a barrel section, a fluid reservoir, awriting nib in communication with said reservoir positioned forwardly ofsaid barrel section, a cylindrical sleeve having an open forward endadapted to receive said nib mounted on said barrel section and movablewith respect to said barrel section to a rearward nib exposing positionand to a forward nib concealing position, a resilient sealing membermounted completely within said sleeve closing said open end and having aslitted central portion deformable to define a central aperture forreceiving said nib upon movement of said sleeve toward said nib exposingposition, said central portion being spaced forwardly of said nib whensaid sleeve is in said nib concealing position, substantiallycylindrical means surrounding said nib and carried thereby for openingsaid slitted central portion in response to movement of said sleeve tothe nib exposing position whereby said nib may freely assume saidexposed position, said cylindrical means being axially movable relativeto said writing nib and resiliently urged to a position forwardly ofsaid writing nib, and stop means supported within said sleeve to limitforward movement of said cylindrical means to a forward position withinsaid sleeve deforming said sealing means when said writing nib is movedthrough said open forward end, whereby said writing nib may be movedforwardly of said cylindrical means and said sealing member to saidwriting position.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,743,786 Markstein Ian. 14, 1930 2,291,859 Andrews Aug. 4, 19422,413,234 Johnson Dec. 24, 1946 2,769,427 Martin Nov. 6, 1956 2,784,699Sheaffer Mar. l2, 1957 2,799,247 Martin July 16, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS21,631 Great Britain 1908 118,130 Great Britain Aug. 22, 1918

